Chapter 101: Tier-3 Blacksmith Assessment · Intent-Focused Gauntlets!
"Let me give it a try."
Yuan Bao climbed up from the ground. Jiang Lin thought for a moment, then handed over the Blackfeather Heavy Bow in his hand. He hadn't sensed any ill intent from Yuan Bao.
Yuan Bao carefully accepted the Blackfeather Bow, examined it closely, and then—whoosh—easily drew it. Crimson Dou Qi condensed on the bow, and a look of surprise gradually crept across Yuan Bao's face.
As more Dou Qi was infused into it, the bow began to feel increasingly familiar to Yuan Bao. Finally, a glint flashed through his eyes as he exclaimed in surprise, "This is... Oh boy, it's based on the Greenfeather Bow. No wonder it looked so familiar. Jiang Lin, you really modified this yourself?"
"Can I say no?" Jiang Lin shrugged.
"Obviously not," Yuan Bao shook his head. "That so-called 'teacher' of yours, the last reward he exchanged at the Blacksmith Guild was the blueprint for the Greenfeather Bow and the Greenfeather Archery Manual."
"The Greenfeather Bow is a basic Tier-3 Dou Weapon. This Blackfeather Bow you made is also at the low end of Tier-3, but it has good potential. With the right materials, it can be reforged to reach the upper end of Tier-3." As the face of the Blacksmith Guild, Yuan Bao had a solid understanding of the Greenfeather Bow and highly approved of the modification.
"Kid, just the modifications alone show that you thoroughly studied the Greenfeather blueprint. Being able to craft this Blackfeather Bow proves you definitely have the skills to create Tier-3 Dou Weapons and thus qualify as a Tier-3 Blacksmith."
"Let me introduce myself—Yuan Bao, Tier-4 Blacksmith, six-star Dou Spirit."
"Jiang Lin, one-star Dou Fighter."
"Not bad, you're progressing at a decent pace. I acknowledge you, Jiang Lin. But to get officially certified as a Tier-3 Blacksmith, you'll need to pass the guild's test." Yuan Bao could tell Jiang Lin wasn't very old despite his size. To be a Tier-3 Blacksmith while only a one-star Dou Fighter indicated terrifying talent—and future potential for joining the Heavenly Craft Pavilion.
"What kind of test?" Jiang Lin asked in confusion.
"Come on, I'll show you." Yuan Bao ran to the guild entrance and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.
Wait... it's still morning. Jiang Lin realized the guild probably hadn't been open for long.
"Hardly anyone comes here usually. Even if someone does, we decide when to deliver their weapons. If they have business, they can just leave a message," Yuan Bao said without care. Unlike the Alchemist Guild, which had life-saving responsibilities, the Blacksmith Guild had far fewer obligations—freedom was the norm.
"Let's go to the Forging Room. If you want the Tier-3 Blacksmith Medal, you must personally forge a Tier-3 Dou Weapon using materials provided by the guild. Don't worry, the materials are free, but you only get enough for three attempts. If you fail all three, I can still offer you a backdoor option—just forge the Greenfeather Bow, which is also Tier-3."
Yuan Bao handed the Blackfeather Bow back to Jiang Lin, then led him into the guild. The place was eerily quiet—Jiang Lin didn't encounter another soul on the way.
"There are only twelve blacksmiths in the guild, including you. The rest are scattered around the Jia Ma Imperial Capital, serving as retainers for various clans." Perhaps sensing Jiang Lin's confusion, Yuan Bao explained as they walked down a sunlit corridor in the inner courtyard.
"Usually, we take orders only if we're interested. If not, we just ignore them."
"...Really? That casual?" Jiang Lin thought. Still, he liked the sound of that.
"Those who love making money were poached by the imperial clans or the royal family. What's left are the free-spirited ones—or those elite blacksmiths who don't need to work hard to succeed." Yuan Bao's explanation made it clear to Jiang Lin that this place was practically a secluded haven for blacksmiths.
The workaholics were all kicked out to become retainers of imperial families. Those who remained were either slackers or effortless geniuses.
"Alright, we're here." Yuan Bao brought Jiang Lin to a sunlit open-air area in the guild's backyard, surrounded by lush greenery. He pointed inside and said, "This is the guild's best forging site. Since it's early in the morning and no one's around, you can use it."
The open-air forging site was square-shaped and enclosed by metal railings inscribed with special patterns. In the center stood a massive cauldron, surrounded by furnaces, anvils, and all the tools needed for blacksmithing.
"This place is pretty amazing," Jiang Lin said, a bit flattered by Yuan Bao's treatment.
"No worries—maybe you'll be my junior someday. There are only twelve of us; no need to be too formal." Yuan Bao led Jiang Lin into the Heaven-class Forging Field, then pulled out ten blacksmith scrolls on the grass, each labeled with its tier and name.
"Pick one out of ten—choose whichever Tier-3 blacksmith scroll you like. The Greenfeather Bow is in there too. Once you choose, I'll prepare the materials." Yuan Bao used his Dou Qi to levitate the ten scrolls before Jiang Lin. With his Dou Spirit cultivation, it was easy to keep them afloat.
Jiang Lin glanced over them:
"Tier-3 Low-Grade Dou Weapon · Greenfeather Bow."
"Tier-3 Low-Grade Dou Weapon · Gale Spear."
"Tier-3 Mid-Grade Dou Weapon · Frostblade Sword."
"Tier-3 Low-Grade Dou Weapon · Flame Axe."
"..."
Jiang Lin noticed that all of them were weapons, which mildly surprised him. But it made sense—offensive Dou Weapons were more common, while defensive gear usually had to be tailored to a blacksmith's own cultivation level.
"I'll take this one." Jiang Lin picked a scroll that caught his interest. Yuan Bao instinctively looked over, eyes flashing with surprise.
"Tier-3 High-Grade Dou Weapon · Intent-Focused Gauntlets!"
"You sure? Not picking the Greenfeather Bow you're already used to?" Yuan Bao looked at the youth in surprise, not understanding why he would challenge himself in a new field.
Normally, a blacksmith test would offer five random scrolls. Yuan Bao had already given Jiang Lin an edge by presenting ten, including one he was already familiar with.
"Honestly, it's all the same. If the materials are complete, I get a free Tier-3 blueprint anyway, right?" Jiang Lin smiled at Yuan Bao.
"Suit yourself. I'll go get the materials. Remember, you only have half a month to complete your forging." With that, Yuan Bao walked off briskly, leaving Jiang Lin alone in the Heaven-class Forging Field to curiously examine the surroundings—especially the massive rune-covered bronze cauldron in the center.
(END CHAPTER)
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